Here's some old news about the band.

Surf City Slackers at Peet's Opening

The Surf City Slackers performed for the opening crowd at the new Peet's in Capitola.  Folks all seemed to enjoy the performance until the local sheriff showed up to shut them down. The band was playing amplified music without the necessary permits. Fortunately, once the deputy realized it was the infamous Surf City Slackers, she relented and joined the audience to enjoy the rest of the show.

Surf City Slackers play WOW 2006

The month of rain stopped just in time for the 2006 Women on Waves Surf Contest. The surf conditions were clean and the sun was out all day long. There was the usual large turn out of participants and spectators. It was a day of surfing, sun, and good music.

 The Surf City Slackers broke in their new pa system. After a quick sound check they launched into a 45 minute set of some Slacker favorites and a number of new songs.

Blandy sang her heart out and sounded great in spite of suffering from a cold. Michael played guitar or ukulele and performed one of his original songs entitled “Bamboo Hut”. Brad made his debut on bass for an added dimension to the Slacker sound mix.

Everyone had a great time and Women on Waves was once again a huge success.

Surf City Slackers open for Uke Club Christmas Party

For the third year in a row, the Surf City Slackers were the opening act for the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz Christmas party. The band played their typical eclectic mix of tunes ranging from standards like "All of Me" to the Robert Earl Keen "Merry Christmas from the Family".  The pared down group which at it's high point had eight members, was more relaxed and focused than ever.  The crowd thoroughly enjoyed their set.  Chris Basiletti, Slacker emeritus, joined Brad for a rendition of "Slacker Blues". The band was joined by other Uke club members for a Christmas song sing-a-long.  It was a great way to start the the party.

Surf City Slackers Play Pleasure Point

The Slackers played at this year’s Pleasure Point Vintage Faire for the first time. The event included classic cars, food, dancing, a raffle, and artisans selling their wares. The Slackers played an eclectic mix of standards, rock n’ roll, a little Hawaiian music, plus some original songs.

Folks of all ages came to the faire. Children ran around and many people brought their dogs.  A small craft advisory was in effect for Monterey Bay that afternoon. The wind picked up and midway through the performance part of the roof above the stage blew off - the Slackers really raised the roof.  It was truly a neighborhood event and everyone had a great time.

Past Meets Present

Here's a rare photo of the past and present musical talent of the Surf City Slackers. From left to right are Michael McGee, Brad Handzel and Chris Basiletti. Brad and Chris were the founding members of the band. This photo seems to belie the rumors of bad blood between band members forcing Chris to not only leave the band but to move out of Santa Cruz altogether. Word on the street has it that Chris may show up as a guest artist at some future gigs. Stay tuned!

The Surf City Slackers Play

Ukulele Club Christmas Party

As far as Christmas parties go the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz threw a memorable one. The Surf City Slackers did their part in kicking off the evening’s fun. When the band opened their set most of the tables at Bocci’s Cellar were just filling up. By the time the set was over the place was packed.

The Slackettes were unavailable so the boys were on their own as the opening act for the Uke Club annual Christmas party. Grammy award-winner Ian Whitcomb was the evening’s headliner. He was entertaining and gracious. Chris, Brad, and Jim had the opportunity to talk with Ian as the 4 of them tuned up and got ready to perform.  He even consented to pose for a picture with the Slackers.

The Slackers opened with “San Francisco Bay Blues”. It included a nifty kazoo solo by Brad. The music ranged from the Band song “Opehlia”, to Jim Thomas’ steel guitar and vocal solo on “Blue Hawaii”. Chris' original song “House Hunting Rag”, chronicling the frustrations of buying a home in Santa Cruz County, was debuted.  The 9 song set ended with a humorous version of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. When the Slackers sang “if you want us to leave you better applaud” the crowd responded with laughter and cheering.

It was a special night for all present and The Surf City Slackers. The new songs in the Slacker's repertoire were well received. Ian Whitcomb’s performance was musical magic. The evening ended over in the corner with a few people doing an impromptu, extended version of “Runaround Sue”. What a night…..

History

The Surf City Slackers was formed to fill a void Chris and Brad saw in the Santa Cruz music scene. They had no idea how hungry the music listening public was for classic rock with a Santa Cruz attitude. They both threw responsibility to the wind in pursuit of the slacker ideals of playing music, life, liberty, and sleeping late. They took their act on the road before bringing it home to the Central Coast of California.

Many years of touring dance halls, honkytonks, strip joints, beer dives got them to where they are today. Chris knowingly smiles when asked about the long road to stardom and says, “we’re glad to still be alive and back playing for the hometown folks here in Santa Cruz.” The band’s many fans heartily agree.

Friends often drop by to play with the Slackers. You’re in for a real treat when the fabulous Slackettes back up the boys with their steamy vocals. It just doesn’t get much better.

Catch S.C.S. in person and you’ll understand what the Surf City Slacker life style is all about.

                                        Jann Wenner

                                        Rolling Stone Magazine